Howard Beck

‘Hit the Hook Shot … and Let’s Go Back to Business’

The points that broke the NBA’s most hallowed record came on a shot no one uses, in a gym built for college games, in a city with no NBA team, with just one league official present to commemorate the feat and a fledgling cable network there to…

Breaking Down the Biggest NBA All-Star Surprises and Snubs

The 2023 NBA All-Star rosters are here, and as always, there is plenty to be debated. Sports Illustrated senior writers Chris Mannix and Howard Beck give their thoughts on the reserves, the final rosters as a whole and whether there needs to be…

CJ McCollum’s Steady Presence Amid ‘Choppy’ Pelicans Season

The New Orleans star has been embracing many new challenges in his new surroundings. CJ McCollum, 31 years old and a decade into his NBA career, is trying his best to be the calm amid the chaos. To be the voice of wisdom. To teach the fundamentals.…

The Warriors Didn’t Visit the White House Just to Celebrate. They Went to Discuss Gun Violence.

For Steve Kerr and the 2022 NBA champions, their recent trip to D.C. doubled as a policy summit—and marked an evolutionary shift. Steve Kerr awoke last May 24 with the typical worries of an NBA coach in the midst of the playoffs. His Warriors held a…

Be Like Kobe w/ Prof. Caleb Mezzy

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes professor Caleb Mezzy, who teaches a course called “Mamba Mentality,” inspired by the life and career of Kobe BryantSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeBron’s Future & All-Star Picks w/ David Aldridge

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes veteran scribe David Aldridge of The Athletic to potential LeBron James trades this offseason. They also pick their All-Star starters and discuss the conundrum of the Bradley Beal era in WashingtonSee…

Top Teams to Watch As NBA Trade Deadline Nears

Which franchises will be buyers or sellers? Our NBA insiders are debating the biggest topics in the league. Sports Illustrated senior writers Chris Mannix and Howard Beck weigh in on the teams to watch as the NBA trade deadline nears. Chris Mannix:…

Kevin Durant-Less Nets Face Big Questions

The Nets played a game without Kevin Durant on Thursday—the first of what will be many in the weeks to come—and it went about the way you’d expect. Kyrie Irving scored a bunch (but not enough). Ben Simmons made many beautiful passes (but did not…

Utah, We Have a Problem …w/ Vincent Goodwill

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports to discuss Nikola Jokic’s bid for a third straight MVP and the muddled All-Star picture. Then they delve into Donovan Mitchell’s recent remarks on racism in Utah, and the…

What’s Behind the Timberwolves' Rocky Start?

Minnesota made the splashiest move of the offseason after acquiring Rudy Gobert, but the team has struggled as we approach the midpoint of the season. Our NBA insiders are debating the biggest topics in the league. Sports Illustrated senior writers…

Welcome to … Zach Lowe

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes ESPN’s Zach Lowe to discuss trends at the NBA’s mathematical midpoint, including the sudden explosion of high-scoring individual games, capped by Donovan Mitchell’s 71-point outing. They also reflect on…

The Crossover: NBA Midseason Check-in With Zach Lowe

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes ESPN’s Zach Lowe to discuss trends at the NBA’s mathematical midpoint. The Crossover welcomes ESPN’s Zach Lowe to discuss trends at the NBA’s mathematical midpoint, including the sudden explosion of…

Does the NBA Have a $@&!*% Problem?

When it comes to excessive expletives, the league isn’t messing around. But why? Editor’s note: This story contains explicit language. Sports Illustrated typically censors profanity and vulgar language but is making an exception due to the subject of…

Klay Thompson’s Motivation Stares at Him Literally From His Locker

The Warriors may be struggling, but their star shooting guard is using a list of names—with faces on it—to remind him that the title chase isn’t over. On any given day of the Warriors’ season, Eric Housen might be booking flights and hotels,…

Nuanced takes w/ J.J. Redick

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes former NBA sharpshooter J.J. Redick to discuss his transition to TV and podcasting, the sudden surge of parity across the league, the Lakers’ roster woes, his dream podcast guests and much moreSee…

Are the Knicks Contenders or Pretenders?

On the latest Crossover podcast, Howard Beck and Chris Mannix discuss if New York can continue their hot streak. The following transcript is an excerpt from The Crossover NBA podcast. Listen to the full episode on podcast players everywhere or on…

LeBron James Is an Aging Legend. Another Season Is Slipping Away.

The Lakers, who appear to be going nowhere (again), are squandering the last, best years of one of the greatest players in NBA history. Dirk Nowitzki can’t recall exactly when it hit him, that his greatest moments of glory—of 50-win seasons and…

NBA Trade Talk: Which Team Will Make a Big Move?

It's the unofficial opening of NBA trade season. Which teams will look to make a deal? Who will be on the move? On the latest Crossover podcast, Howard Beck welcomes Jake Fischer, senior NBA reporter for Yahoo Sports, to discuss the unofficial…

Trade SZN! (sort of) w/ Jake Fischer

On the Friday edition, Howard Beck welcomes Jake Fischer, senior NBA reporter for Yahoo Sports, to discuss the unofficial opening of NBA trade season. Which teams will be most active? Is this the year John Collins gets dealt? Will the Lakers finally…

NBA Debate: Who Won the Anthony Davis Trade?

The Lakers are struggling this season, while the Pelicans look like legit contenders. Our NBA insiders revisit the 2019 blockbuster deal. Our NBA insiders are debating the biggest topics in the league. Sports Illustrated senior writers Chris Mannix…